October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and we are counting on you to help turn the State purple! Below are ideas to get you started. During your activities, be sure to tell people why things are purple and give out the statewide hotline number: 1-800-942-6906. And don’t limit yourself to one month - many activities can be done all year long. Shining a light on domestic violence is the first step to safety and support for all.

Wear Purple

Host a Domestic Violence Awareness Day, and encourage staff to wear purple clothing. Wear purple often during October, but especially on Wednesday, 10/21/15, the date we are suggesting that all New Yorkers wear purple.

Post a Web Banner

Update your website to include information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It’s free and easy to post a web banner, which links back to the OPDV website and helpful information. Please visit our website to
download the banner
today!

Create a Purple Space

Set up a display table in your lobby. Put out brochures, flyers, balloons and purple ribbons for staff. Host a raffle to benefit a domestic violence program. We have made
all of our Shine the Light materials
available on our website so you can download and use them as part of your own campaigns.

Hand Out Cards

Print out wallet cards (pdf) (HTML (Web page)
onto perforated paper from the office supply store. Ask businesses if you can put them on the counter. Carry some with you to hand out. You can customize the back for your organization!

Put Up a Poster

Workplaces, schools, and facilities that are Shining the Light can display an 8-1/2”x11” poster to help people understand why things are purple.

Proclaim the Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Ask your local government leader to do a proclamation in your town or city. Help organize a publicity event for local media to attend. (See sample language from a previous
NYS proclamation.)

Contact the Media

Write a letter to the editor. Include hotline numbers —
local
and State (800-942-6906).If you organize an event, send a press release to invite local media (see our
sample press release
for guidance). Invite them to bring cameras!

Pin a Purple Ribbon

Make and distribute purple ribbons. Get a roll of thin purple ribbon from a craft store. Cut into 3” strips, cutting ends on an angle. Loop the ribbon into shape and pin from behind using a straight pin.

Paint It Purple

Window paint for cars is available in purple! Use it on vehicles or storefronts (with permission :-). Be creative. Draw a purple ribbon. Share the hotline number: NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline: 1-800-942-6906.

Order a License Plate

Show your drive to end domestic violence! OPDV and the Department of Motor Vehicles offer a
“Peace at Home” license plate
. A portion of the proceeds will go to raise awareness about domestic violence.

Ways to Help in New York State

There are other ways you can help victims of domestic violence during October and throughout the year — and spread the message that violence will not be tolerated. From donating a cell phone, to making donations of clothing and toiletries, to volunteering your time at domestic violence programs,
there are ways to make a difference.